Council approves contract for new village administrator

Incoming Village Administrator Christopher Kiehl’s contract was approved at the Dec. 8 meeting after council passed the measure as an emergency.

Council adopted emergency Ordinance 2025-36, approving a three-year contract with Kiehl. His salary will be $75,000 with a $1,000 increase each year. The Personnel Committee confirmed it reviewed and agreed on all terms.

Kiehl attended the meeting with outgoing Administrator Mark Wells and was welcomed by council and Mayor Bill Stoneman. He noted he is working closely with Wells to ensure a smooth transition and thanked the mayor and council for the opportunity.

In other action, Regional Planning Director Tom Konst updated council on two matters discussed at a planning commission meeting held earlier the same evening.

The school district requested approval to divide its old school property into eight lots. Konst said the commission had several questions about lot size requirements, but no school or realtor representatives were present to provide details. The commission tabled the matter.

Magee Motors, by FWW Wholesale, requested a zoning change from B1 to B2 to allow highway-style vehicle sales. No neighboring residents objected, and the applicant arrived late, but the motion to approve the change did not receive a second, meaning the request failed procedurally. The commission forwarded no recommendation, leaving the matter entirely to council, which took no action.

In other business, council:

—HEARD Councilman Tom White, who lost his reelection bid and will not attend his final meeting, thank the mayor, administrator and fellow members.

“It has been an honor to serve on this board with all of you,” White said. “Working with the mayor and the administrator has been a great experience, and I truly appreciate everything we’ve accomplished together.”

—HEARD questions from residents about the drainage project near the police station and gym. Wells said the work is complete except for one section that was removed because a property owner refused an easement. Downstream issues have been resolved, but the homeowner who denied access may still experience drainage problems.

—HEARD a follow-up on possible improved signage for a one-way street. Wells said he is still searching for better sign options.

—HEARD Wells remind residents that downtown trash receptacles are not for household refuse.

—Approved payment of $59,310.83 in vendor bills, $62,893.39 in payroll and $8,838.29 in bills paid without prior certification.